PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS Borough: Manhattan Piers 15, 35, 42 designed for public use Continuous waterfront bikeway/ walkway connecting to the Manhattan Greenway New public opens spaces  New community and cultural uses underneath the FDR Easier access to Battery Maritime Building

The East River Waterfront (ERW) plan seeks to improve access to the waterfront, enhance pedestrian connectivity and create waterfront amenities for public use and enjoyment. The existing esplanade would be enhanced, some new sections of esplanade would be created and several piers would be renovated and redeveloped.

As part of the continued revitalization of Lower Manhattan, the East River Esplanade will contribute greatly to improved quality of life for local residents, workers and visitors alike.

Planning: A team Effort
In 2004 as a result of the Mayor’s Vision for a 21st Century Lower Manhattan, NYCEDC, the Department of City Planning, Department of Transportation, and Department of Parks and Recreation, with funding from LMDC, undertook a year-long study of the East River Waterfront in Lower Manhattan. The design team included architects, urban designers, landscape architects and engineers.  All worked closely with the local community, area elected officials, City and State agencies, and civic associations to develop a waterfront concept plan.

The planning was a participatory and interactive process comprising over 70 separate meetings with community boards, tenant associations, civic leaders, maritime experts and local elected officials.

Key Features of the East River Esplanade
In response to input from the various groups, the East River Esplanade plan features:

• A comprehensive vision for a continuous waterfront esplanade;
• Improved connections to adjacent neighborhoods;
• New waterfront amenities; and
• New community, cultural, and recreational uses.

The plan includes bold new architectural and landscape architectural design ideas flexible enough to adjust to local conditions and respond to the diverse neighborhoods and communities adjacent to the East River.

Moving The Project Forward
NYCEDC will implement the East River Esplanade project, working with partner City agencies in connection with the project design and construction. Uniform Land Use Review Procedure and environmental review were completed in Fall 2007. Design is currently underway, led by SHoP Architects, PC, and Ken Smaith Landscape Architects, along with a joint venture of HDR/Daniel Frankfurt and Ove Arup engineers. Schematic Designs were completed in Fall 2007 and new images are available for viewing above.

More Information About ERW
To view the May 2005 concept plan, explore the East River Waterfront Information at the Department of City Planning website. 

You can also view the recently released  Final Environmental Impact Statement to learn more about this project.